Yin vs YangThe Battle for Success in Life

The end of the year in any business is a time for review, accountability, and starting the year off fixing the mistakes of the previous. It is a time to look back, learn, and plan accordingly. Well, the same should be true for our own personal development, especially if we wish to have an even better 2009.

My personalities and I got together and came up with a personal development tradition for Yin vs Yang’s first ever NEW YEAR. For this exercise, you are to write down (or type)…

1. All the significant personal highlights of the past year (looking back).
2. The top 5 things you learned this year.
3. The top 5 things you are going to work on changing next year.

File this away to look back on at the end of 2009 and continue each year hereafter. The hope is to continue to build on previous years, and gather a collective list of major learning experiences to review at your leisure. I always find whatever you write down is much more likely to come true.

Before you get started, here is my list, for a little inspiration.

Looking Back

How do I say goodbye to such a big year? For me, 2008 was full of change.

• I finally started to make money doing what I love after failing miserably chasing a paycheck.
• I started a personal development blog and have met thousands of amazing people that I would have never thought possible.
• I watched the first African-American become president of the US and reenergize a nation in the eyes of the world.
• I received my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
• I cornered a MMA fighter that won a championship belt in Ring of Combat.
• Reimagine, a media production company, made it through its first year with flying colors thanks to some amazing work by my partner and I.

Top 5 Learning Experiences

1. There is no easy way to make money. It all takes a persistent effort anyway so you might as well pick something you like to do.
2. Consistency trumps talent and luck every time but not every day.
3. Nothing gives a house a better atmosphere than a few pets.
4. Trying to make money in September to pay September’s bills means it is already too late.
5. Family means the people who remain with you when all your ‘friends’ are MIA.

Top 5 Changes to Make in 2009

1. Become even more organized in my business and my life using new technologies such as Things.
2. Make every day the gift that it should be. If I’m not having fun, I am helping no one around me.
3. Make a concentrated effort to step up my networking skills. People to people interactions always trump virtual relationships.
4. Stop selling myself short. My time is worth the money I need to pay my bills. If a client can’t pay that price, then it is a new client I need, not a new price.
5. Believe in myself and my ability to do well at anything I put my mind to.

Now It’s Your Turn…

Make a list for yourself, and post 2 items from Looking back, Things you learned, and Things you are going to change in the comments section below.

This is a great way to make a commitment to following through on your goals. Challenge yourself by putting it down in writing.

So what are you waiting for? Get to it. 2009 is right around the corner!

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